Seferian-Jenkins finished the 2012 football season with 69 receptions for 852 yards and seven touchdowns.

“I just need to focus on school and get (rested). I don’t feel like I’d be to help the basketball team much right now,” Seferian-Jenkins said in a statement released by the school.

At 6-6, 250 pounds Seferian-Jenkins gave the Huskies another physical body to call on inside last season, averaging 7.2 minutes in the 17 games in which he played.

But as the lone underclassman finalist for the John Mackey Award, which is given annually to the nation’s best tight end, and a second team All-Pac-12 selection this is an important offseason for the sophomore in regards to what he can accomplish on the gridiron.

Washington is in better shape inside now than they were during non-conference play as Shawn Kemp Jr. has played in the last six games after missing the start of the season with a knee injury.

Rebounding’s been a problem for the Huskies all season long, as their defensive rebounding percentage (64.9%) ranks dead last in the Pac-12, and that was going to be a problem even if Seferian-Jenkins were to decide to play.

The Huskies begin Pac-12 play on Saturday night with a visit to rival Washington State.

But for Pac-12 fans who enjoy watching football players on the basketball court don’t get too upset about the news. There’s still Oregon defensive lineman Arik Armstead, who joins the team this weekend, and USC offensive lineman Zach Banner to keep tabs on.